Research Note: Intestinal morphology and gene expression changes in broilers supplemented with lysolecithin.

Lysolecithin is used as a feed additive to aid fat digestion and absorption in broiler chickens. Previous research has shown that dietary fat source influences how broilers respond to lysolecithin supplementation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lysolecithin on a diet formulated with soybean oil on jejunum morphology and expression of selected genes in broiler chickens. Male Cobb 500 chickens were fed a Control diet or the Control diet supplemented with lysolecithin (TRT) from day of hatch to day 28. Jejunal samples were collected at day 10 for morphological and gene expression analysis. Feeding the TRT diet did not affect BW, villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD) or VH/CD ratio compared to Control fed chickens. Differential gene expression in the jejunum was analyzed using a custom microarray. Using a t test, 36 genes were found to be upregulated in TRT fed chickens compared to chickens fed the Control diet. The two most upregulated genes were carbonic anhydrase VII and interleukin 8-like 2, which are associated with healthy intestines. In summary, lysolecithin supplementation in a diet formulated with soybean oil caused no morphological changes but upregulated a number of genes in the jejunum.

Effect of Xin Mai Jia on atherosclerosis in rats.

We investigated the therapeutic effect of Xin Mai Jia (XMJ) on atherosclerosis (AS) in rats. Rat models of AS were established by peritoneally injecting vitamin D, feeding a high-fat diet, and inducing balloon injuries in rats. The stomachs of the rats were irrigated continuously for 10 weeks with XMJ. Blood lipid- and hemorheology-related indices of blood samples were detected. Pathological changes in the right common carotid arterial tissues were also determined. The protein expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, angio-tensin-1, and endothelin-1 were determined by western blotting. XMJ reduced cholesterol, trigylecride, and low-density lipoprotein levels as well as blood viscosity, sedimentation, and hematocrit. Furthermore, XMJ alleviated vascular endothelial injury and reduced/eliminated atherosclerotic plaques. In contrast, XMJ significantly increased the endothelium-dependent relaxing response of the AS rat models. The western blotting results showed that XMJ upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase but downregulated angiotensin-1 and endothelin-1. XMJ prevented the development of AS by regulating blood lipid levels, hemorheology, and vascular function.

Wide-scale pollen banking of ornamental plants through cryopreservation.

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation has been proved to be an efficient method for the long-term storage of pollen, based on our previous studies establishing cryo pollen banks for Camellia, Paeonia, and Prunus mume. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to extend and verify the applicability of the cryopreservation protocol for ornamental plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 71 species or cultivars from 19 families were cryopreserved using the established protocol. RESULTS: Pollen from 60 species or cultivars (85% of those experimented on) retained viability after 1 year's cryopreservation; of these, 36 (51% of the total investigated) retained a sufficiently high germination capability compared with fresh pollen to enable longer term cryopreservation. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that wide-scale pollen banking of ornamental plants is feasible.

Oridonin inhibits tumor growth in glioma by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Glioma is the most common malignant intracranial tumors. Despite newly developed therapies, these treatments mainly target oncogenic signals, and unfortunately, fail to provide enough survival benefit in both human patients and mouse xenograft models, especially the first-generation therapies. Oridonin is purified from the Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens and considered to exert extensive anti-cancer effects on human tumorigenesis. In this study, we systemically investigated the role of Oridonin in tumor growth and the underlying mechanisms in human glioma. We found that Oridonin inhibited cell proliferations in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both glioma U87 and U251 cells. Moreover, these anti-cancer effects were also confirmed in a mouse model bearing glioma. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest in S phase was observed in Oridonin-mediated growth inhibition by flow cytometry. Cell cycle arrest in S phase led to eventual cell apoptosis, as revealed by Hoechst 33342 staining and annexin V/PI double-staining. The cell apoptosis might be accomplished through a mitochondrial manner. In all, we were the first to our knowledge to report that Oridonin could exert anti-cancer effects on tumor growth in human glioma by inducing cell cycle arrest and eventual cell apoptosis. The identification of Oridonin as a critical mediator of glioma growth may potentiate Oridonin as a novel therapeutic strategies in glioma treatments.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase: activity inhibition and protein overexpression in rotenone models for Parkinson's disease.

Rotenone, a widely used pesticide and an environmental risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), induces nigrostriatal injury, Lewy body-like inclusions, and Parkinsonian symptoms in rat models for PD. Our previous data indicated that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) overexpression and glycolytic inhibition were co-current in rotenone-induced PC12 (rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells) cell death. However, whether GAPDH overexpression plays any role in dopaminergic neurodegeneration in vivo remains unknown. In this study, we have found that GAPDH overexpression and GAPDH-positive Lewy body-like aggregates in nigral dopaminergic neurons while nigral GAPDH glycolytic activity decreases in rotenone-based PD animal models. Furthermore, GAPDH knockdown reduces rotenone toxicity significantly in PC12. These in vitro and in vivo data suggest that GAPDH contributes to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, possibly representing a new molecular target for neuroprotective strategies and alternative therapies for PD.

[The effects of safflor yellow on microcirculation and hemorheology of acute blood stasis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of safflor yellow on microcirculation and hemorheology of acute blood stasis rats. METHODS: The acute blood stasis medel was made by i.p. adrenalin (0.07 ml/(kg.time) for 2 times and the stimulation of ice-water. RESULTS: Safflor could markedly improve the number of net dot in microcirculation, and eta b, eta p, eta f in hemorheology (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Safflor yellow played an important role on blood stasis of rats.

One hundred and seven middle-aged and senile cases of coronary heart disease with ventricular premature beat treated by qing xin an shen fang.

The therapeutic principle of clearing away the heart-heat to induce tranquilization was adopted in 107 middle-aged and senile patients with ventricular premature beat of coronary heart disease on the basis of pathogenic features of phlegm, heat, blood stasis and deficiency in this condition. Qing Xin An Shen Fang ([symbol: see text] a formula for clearing away the heart-heat to induce tranquilization) was used in the treatment group and compared with mexiletine and Fu Fang Dan Shen Tablets ([symbol: see text] Compound Salvia Tablets) used in the control group. The results turned to be that the markedly effective rate was 85.1% and the total effective rate 96.3% in the treated group, better than that in the control group, with the former having a good antihypertensive and antihyperlipemic effect and an effect of improving microcirculation and clinical symptoms.

[Experimental studies on antioxidative effect of tongcao and xiao-tongcao polysaccharides].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the antioxidative effect of four kinds of Tongcao and Xiao-Tongcao polysaccharides. METHOD: Aged mice (nine months) were abdominal administrated with four kinds of polysaccharides (Tongtuomu, Ximashanjingjiehua, Xinanxiuqiu, Ditanghua) at dosages of 160 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg for 45 days. RESULT: Four kinds of polysaccharides could obviously decrease the content of serum and liver lipoperoxide(LPO) as well as the content of lipofuscin(LF) in brain and cardiac muscle of aged mice, and also increase the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) of red cells in aged mice. CONCLUSION: The polysaccharide components of Tongtuomu and three kinds of Xiao-Tongcao have antioxidative effect, suggesting that these substances have antiageing function.

[Experimental studies on anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diuretic effects of several species of tongcao and xiao-tongcao].

OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diuretic effects of three kinds of Tongcao(Tongtuomu, Panyezhangyeshu and Luosan) and seven kinds of Xiao-tongcao(Ximashanjinjiehua, Xinanxiuqiu1. 2., Ditanghua, Suixuezhangcai, Qingjiaye and Zhongguo jinjiehua). METHOD: Decoctions prepared from the above kinds of Tongcao and Xiao-tongcao crude drugs were given to rats at dosages of 8 g/kg and 4 g/kg by ig. Pharmacological actions were observed by means of carrageenan-induced swelling paws, fever models induced by beer-yeast or carrageenan and metabolic cage method in rats. RESULT: All the experimental decoctions could inhibit carrageenan-induced swelling of rat paws in different degrees and exerted anti-pyretic effect on rat fever models induced by beer-yeast or carrageenan. Three kinds of Xiaotongcao(Ximashanjingjiehua, Xinanxiuqui2., Zhongguojinjiehua) had obvious diuretic effect on rats. CONCLUSION: Decoctions of different species of Tongcao and Xiao-tongcao all have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diuretic effects, thus providing some pharmacologic basis for the efficacy assay, clinical application, species collation and quality study of Tongcao and Xiao-tongcao.

[Preliminary studies on pharmacological actions of tongca and xiao-tongcao polysaccharides].

OBJECTIVE: To study and compare the immunologic function and antioxidative effect of Tongcao(Tongtuomu) and Xiao-Tongcao(Ximashanjingjiehua, Xinanxiuqiu, Ditanghua) polysaccharides. METHOD: Mice were abdominally administrated with four kinds of polysaccharides at dosages of 80 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg for 7-10 days. RESULT: Four kinds of polysaccharides could increase the serum-lysozyme activity, phagocytic function of MPS and the serum hemolysin-antibody level in mice, inhibit the delayed hypersensitivity induced by DNCB in mice and raise the serum-catalase activity in mice. CONCLUSION: Four kinds of Tongcao or Xiao-Tongcao polysaccharides have immunoregulative function and antioxidative effect. The results could enrich the contents of "A Study on Species-Sorting and Quality of Tongcao-Xiao-Tongcao Crude Drugs".

[Survey of botanical origin of tongcao (medulla Tetrapanacis) and identification of its commercial products].

Through the investigation on botanical origin, output and sales of Togcao in producing areas, it has been proved that there are twenty-two species of six families used as Tongcao. The medicinal parts are the pith of stems or petioles. The provinces featuring more species and larger output of Tongcao are Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hunan and Shaanxi. A hundred and two pieces of commercial samples collected from twenty-six provinces in China, Hongkong area, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Republic of Korea have been identified. The result shows that both Xiaotongcao and Datongcao are called by the same name Tongcao. The main species is Xiaotongcao, which takes a proportion of 70% in Tongcao. And the Tongcao(Tetrapanax papyriferus, taking a proportion of 20%) as recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1995 edition) is seldom used.

[Pharmacognostic identification of the root bark of Broussonetia papyrifera, an adulterant of cortex mori].

The article reports the morphological characters, the histological structure, TLC and UV spectrum identification for the adulterant of Cortex Mori, the root bark of Broussonetia papyrifera. The results show that they can be distinguished each other.

The relationship of fluorosis and brick tea drinking in Chinese Tibetans.

Brick tea-drinking fluorosis is an unusual environmental problem. As a result of an investigation of tea-drinking habits, total fluoride intakes, dental fluorosis, and skeletal fluorosis, this disease has been found in the Sichuan Province of China in Tibetans with a long history of drinking brick tea. The dental fluorosis investigation of 375 Tibetan children (213 males, 162 females) and 161 Han children (86 males, 75 females), 8-15 years of age, was carried out in Daofu County, Sichuan Province. According to the standard of the Chinese Health Ministry, a skeletal fluorosis survey of 658 Tibetans (264 males, 394 females) and 41 Hans (20 males, 11 females), all over 16 years old, was performed. The total fluoride intake and fluorosis were determined from a question--calculation method in all participants. The morbidities of dental fluorosis in Tibetan and Han children are 51.2% and 11.05%, respectively, and the indexes of dental fluorosis are 1.33 and 0.17 (chi 2 = 75.7, p < 0.01) respectively. The morbidity of skeletal fluorosis is 32.83% for Tibetan children and zero for the Han children. The fluoride intakes of Tibetan children and adults were 5.49 mg/person/day and 10.43 mg/person/day, respectively, in this area. Of total everyday fluoride intake, 94.2% by children and 94.4% by adults was from brick tea and zanba (r = 0.99).

Risk factors for initiation of drug use among young males in southwest China.

To identify risk factors for drug use among young males in southwest China a cross-sectional survey and a non-concurrent cohort study were conducted. Demographic, behavioral and drug-use information was collected from young males aged 18-29 years. The non-concurrent cohort included the period 1 January 1991 to 1 August 1994. A total of 1548 subjects were interviewed. The cumulative incidence increased between 1991 and 1993. Multivariate analysis identified the following significant risk factors for drug use: being divorced/widowed/separated, having been encouraged by friends/others to try drugs, smoking cigarettes, belonging to the Jingpo ethnic group, and having a family member who used drugs in 1991. More than 6 years of education was a protective factor for drug use. Drug use in the community was associated with having been encouraged by friends or others to try drugs (71%), to smoking cigarettes (50%), and to belonging to the Jingpo group (24%). The results are consistent with community based prevention approaches which should be studied carefully because of the unique cultural and epidemiological situation in China.

Fluorine intake of a Tibetan population.

Measurements of food consumption of randomly selected families and fluorine levels in food and beverages were used to calculate the fluorine intake of Tibetan people living in nomadic or semi-nomadic areas of the region and regularly consuming brick tea both as a beverage and in food. The fluorine intake of these groups (children 5.49-7.62 mg day; adults 10.43-14.48 mg/day) was much higher than that of members of a Han population living in the region (children 1.44 mg/day; adults 2.54 mg/day). The amounts of fluorine consumed by the Tibetan inhabitants are at least twice the WHO suggested limit (2 mg/day). Tea plants are rich in fluorine, and the highest levels are found in older leaves which are used to make brick tea. We conclude that brick tea is the major source of fluorine intake by the Tibetan population studied.

[Pharmacognostical studies on two species of Chinese drug caowu produced in Sichuan].

This paper deals with 2 species of medicinal roots of Aconitum legendrei and A. geniculatum which are used in Sichuan as Caowu. The morphological and histological characteristics of these two roots are described.

[Qi-xue of traditional Chinese medicine and the electroencephalography energy].

The experiment observed the different changes of EEG energies among 37 patients of neuroasthenic syndrome, 18 patients of anxiety, 28 patients of cerebral apoplexy in recovery stage, 48 cases healthy persons, and 13 healthy persons aged over 60 years. It was found that the changes in EEG energies coincided with the changes in Qi-Xue system. The results showed that analysis of EEG energy could be an objective basis for studying Qi-Xue of traditional Chinese Medicine and the change of EEG energy could be used in judging the condition of Qi-Xue.

[Botanical origins of Chinese drug caowu produced in Sichuan].

We have made an investigation on the botanical origins of 6 species and 2 varieties of the traditional Chinese drug Caowu produced in Sichuan, and found out that the main species available on the market are Aconitum hemsleyanum and A. hemsleyanum var. leucanthum, while A. legendrei comes second. A key for their identification is presented in this paper.